Modulation system using encoding tables and method therefor

ABSTRACT

A 6-bit output code word is generated in response to every 4-bit input code word by referring to a set of encoding tables. The encoding tables contain output code words assigned to input code words, and contain encoding-table designation information accompanying each output code word. The encoding-table designation information designates an encoding table among the encoding tables which is used next to generate an output code word immediately following the output code word accompanied with the encoding-table designation information. Two redundant bits are added to every prescribed number of the successive generated output code words for digital-sum-variation control. The generated output code words and the added redundant bits are sequentially connected into a redundant-bit-added output-code-word sequence which follows predetermined run length limiting rules (1, k)RLL, where “k” denotes a predetermined natural number equal to 9.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

This invention relates to a modulation method, a modulation apparatus, ademodulation method, a demodulation apparatus, an information recordingmedium, an information transmission method, and an informationtransmission apparatus.

2. Description of the Related Art

Some modulation (encoding) procedures used for digital signals recordedon recording mediums are of a (1, 7) RLL type, where “(1, 7) RLL” meansrun length limiting rules such that 1 to 7 successive bits of “0” shouldbe between bits of “1” in a modulation-resultant bit stream. The (1, 7)RLL modulation tends to insufficiently suppress DC and near-DCcomponents of a modulation-resultant bit stream. Therefore, in specifiedconditions, the spectrum of an information signal enters a frequencyband assigned to a servo signal. In this case, the information signalinterferes with servo control.

Japanese patent application publication number 6-195887/1994 disclosesfirst and second modulation apparatuses. The first modulation apparatusin Japanese application 6-195887 processes an input signal which has asequence of symbols each having one byte. The first modulation apparatusincludes an inverting circuit, a parallel-to-serial converting circuit,and a (1, 7) RLL modulation circuit. The inverting circuit receives theinput signal, and inverts all bits in every odd-numbered symbol. Theinverting circuit keeps every even-numbered symbol unchanged. The outputsignal from the inverting circuit is converted into a first bit streamby the parallel-to-serial converting circuit. The (1, 7) RLL modulationcircuit subjects the first bit stream to (1, 7) RLL modulation, therebygenerating a modulation-resultant bit stream (a second bit stream). Theinversion of every odd-numbered symbol by the inverting circuit causesthe suppression of a DC component of the modulation-resultant bitstream.

The second modulation apparatus in Japanese application 6-195887includes a randomizing circuit and a (1, 7) RLL modulation circuit. Therandomizing circuit receives an input signal, and randomizes the inputsignal. The randomizing circuit outputs the randomizing-resultant signalto the (1, 7) RLL modulation circuit. The (1, 7) RLL modulation circuitsubjects the randomizing-resultant signal to (1, 7) RLL modulation,thereby generating a modulation-resultant bit stream. The signalprocessing by the randomizing circuit causes the suppression of a DCcomponent of the modulation-resultant bit stream.

Japanese patent application publication number 10-340543/1998 discloses(1, 7) RLL modulation provided with DSV (digital sum variation) controlfor suppressing DC and low-frequency components of amodulation-resultant bit stream. According to the (1, 7) RLL modulationin Japanese application 10-340543, three successive bits in everyprescribed position in a (1, 7) RLL code string is replaced by sixsuccessive DSV control bits of a pattern chosen so that the rules “(1,7) RLL” will be observed.

Japanese patent application publication number 2000-332613 discloses a4-6 modulator. The 4-6 modulator contains a set of four differentencoding tables. The 4-6 modulator converts or encodes every 4-bit inputcode word into a 6-bit output code word by referring to the set of theencoding tables. The 6-bit output code word forms a 6-bit block of amodulation-resultant bit stream. Each of the encoding tables stores6-bit output code words assigned to 4-bit input code words respectively.In addition, the encoding tables contain next-table selection numbersaccompanying the respective 6-bit output code words therein. Each of thenext-table selection numbers designates one among the encoding tableswhich will be used to convert a next 4-bit input code word. The outputcode words and the next-table selection numbers in the encoding tablesare designed so that the modulation-resultant bit stream formed by asuccession of selected output code words will follow (1, 7) RLL. Firstand second specified ones of the encoding tables are designed so that6-bit output code words in the first specified encoding table whichcorrespond to prescribed 4-bit input code words will be opposite inpolarity (“odd-even” in the number of “1”) to those of 6-bit output codewords in the second specified encoding table.

In the 4-6 modulator of Japanese application 2000-332613, two candidate6-bit output code words may be selected from the first and secondspecified encoding tables in response to a given 4-bit input code word.DSVs (digital sum variations) are calculated for the candidate 6-bitoutput code words, respectively. The absolute values of the DSVs arecompared. One of the candidate 6-bit output code words which correspondsto the smaller of the absolute values of the DSVs is selected as a final6-bit output code word. In this way, DSV control is implemented.

Japanese application 2000-332613 further discloses a demodulationapparatus including a 6-4 demodulator. In Japanese application2000-332613, the 6-4 demodulator recovers encoding-table designationinformation from a sequence of 6-bit code words. The encoding-tabledesignation information represents which of encoding tables has beenused in generating a code word immediately following a code word ofinterest. The 6-4 demodulator decodes the code word of interest into anoriginal code word by referring to a decoding table in response to therecovered encoding-table designation information.

Japanese patent application publication number 11-346154/1999 disclosesa modulation apparatus, a modulation method, a demodulation apparatus, ademodulation method, a providing medium related to the modulationapparatus, and a providing medium related to the demodulation apparatus.The modulation apparatus in Japanese application 11-346154 includes aninserting section which adds DSV control bits to an input data sequence.The inserting section outputs the DSV-control-bit-added data to amodulator. The modulator handles the output data from the insertingsection as data having a basic data length of 2 bits. According to aconversion table, the modulator converts the output data from theinserting section into data of a variable length code having a basicdata length of 3 bits. The modulator outputs the variable-length-codedata to an NRZI converter. The conversion table has a replacement codefor restricting succession of a minimum run to a prescribed number oftimes or less, and a replacement code for observing run length limitingrules. The conversion table further has a conversion rule such that theremainder in the division of the number of bits of “1” in an element ofa data sequence by 2 and the remainder in the division of the number ofbits of “1” in an element of a code word sequence by 2 are equal to eachother as 1 or 0. Thus, the data sequence and the code word sequence areequal in polarity (“odd-even” in the number of bits of “1” in anelement).

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

It is a first object of this invention to provide a modulation methodwhich is excellent in encoding rate (encoding efficiency) andDC-component suppression.

It is a second object of this invention to provide a modulationapparatus which is excellent in encoding rate and DC-componentsuppression.

It is a third object of this invention to provide a demodulation methodwhich is excellent in encoding rate and DC-component suppression.

It is a fourth object of this invention to provide a demodulationapparatus which is excellent in encoding rate and DC-componentsuppression.

It is a fifth object of this invention to provide an informationrecording medium which is excellent in encoding rate and DC-componentsuppression.

It is a sixth object of this invention to provide an informationtransmission method which is excellent in encoding rate and DC-componentsuppression.

It is a seventh object of this invention to provide an informationtransmission apparatus which is excellent in encoding rate andDC-component suppression.

A first aspect of this invention provides a modulation method comprisingthe steps of generating a 6-bit output code word in response to every4-bit input code word by referring to a set of encoding tables, whereinthe encoding tables contain output code words assigned to input codewords, and contain encoding-table designation information accompanyingeach output code word, wherein the encoding-table designationinformation designates an encoding table among the encoding tables whichis used next to generate an output code word immediately following theoutput code word accompanied with the encoding-table designationinformation; adding two redundant bits to every prescribed number of thesuccessive generated output code words for digital-sum-variationcontrol; and sequentially connecting the generated output code words andthe added redundant bits into a redundant-bit-added output-code-wordsequence which follows predetermined run length limiting rules (1,k)RLL, where “k” denotes a predetermined natural number equal to 9.

A second aspect of this invention is based on the first aspect thereof,and provides a modulation method wherein NRZI conversion results ofoutput code words in first specified one of the encoding tables whichare assigned to prescribed input code words are opposite in polarity toNRZI conversion results of output code words in second specified one ofthe encoding tables which are assigned to the prescribed input codewords, and further comprising the steps of generating a first candidatecurrent output code word in response to a current input code word equalto one of the prescribed input code words by referring to the firstspecified one of the encoding tables, and generating a second candidatecurrent output code word in response to the current input code wordequal to said one of the prescribed input code words by referring to thesecond specified one of the encoding tables, wherein a succession of aspecified immediately-preceding output code word and the first candidatecurrent output code word and also a succession of the specifiedimmediately-preceding output code word and the second candidate currentoutput code follow the predetermined run length limiting rules (1,k)RLL.

A third aspect of this invention is based on the second aspect thereof,and provides a modulation method further comprising the step ofselecting one from the first and second candidate current output codewords as a final current output code word.

A fourth aspect of this invention is based on the second aspect thereof,and provides a modulation method further comprising the steps ofcalculating a first CDS of the first candidate current output code word;updating a first DSV of the first candidate current output code word andprevious final output code words in response to the first CDS;calculating a second CDS of the second candidate current output codeword; updating a second DSV of the second candidate current output codeword and previous final output code words in response to the second CDS;determining which of an absolute value of the first DSV and an absolutevalue of the second DSV is smaller; and selecting one from the first andsecond candidate current output code words which corresponds to thesmaller DSV absolute value as a final current output code word.

A fifth aspect of this invention provides a modulation apparatuscomprising means for generating a 6-bit output code word in response toevery 4-bit input code word by referring to a set of encoding tables,wherein the encoding tables contain output code words assigned to inputcode words, and contain encoding-table designation informationaccompanying each output code word, wherein the encoding-tabledesignation information designates an encoding table among the encodingtables which is used next to generate an output code word immediatelyfollowing the output code word accompanied with the encoding-tabledesignation information; means for adding two redundant bits to everyprescribed number of the successive generated output code words fordigital-sum-variation control; and sequentially connecting the generatedoutput code words and the added redundant bits into aredundant-bit-added output-code-word sequence which followspredetermined run length limiting rules (1, k)RLL, where “k” denotes apredetermined natural number equal to 9.

A sixth aspect of this invention is based on the fifth aspect thereof,and provides a modulation apparatus wherein NRZI conversion results ofoutput code words in first specified one of the encoding tables whichare assigned to prescribed input code words are opposite in polarity toNRZI conversion results of output code words in second specified one ofthe encoding tables which are assigned to the prescribed input codewords, and further comprising means for generating a first candidatecurrent output code word in response to a current input code word equalto one of the prescribed input code words by referring to the firstspecified one of the encoding tables, and means for generating a secondcandidate current output code word in response to the current input codeword equal to said one of the prescribed input code words by referringto the second specified one of the encoding tables, wherein a successionof a specified immediately-preceding output code word and the firstcandidate current output code word and also a succession of thespecified immediately-preceding output code word and the secondcandidate current output code follow the predetermined run lengthlimiting rules (1, k)RLL.

A seventh aspect of this invention is based on the sixth aspect thereof,and provides a modulation apparatus further comprising means forselecting one from the first and second candidate current output codewords as a final current output code word.

An eighth aspect of this invention is based on the sixth aspect thereof,and provides a modulation apparatus further comprising means forcalculating a first CDS of the first candidate current output code word;means for updating a first DSV of the first candidate current outputcode word and previous final output code words in response to the firstCDS; means for calculating a second CDS of the second candidate currentoutput code word; means for updating a second DSV of the secondcandidate current output code word and previous final output code wordsin response to the second CDS; means for determining which of anabsolute value of the first DSV and an absolute value of the second DSVis smaller; and means for selecting one from the first and secondcandidate current output code words which corresponds to the smaller DSVabsolute value as a final current output code word.

A ninth aspect of this invention provides a demodulation method ofdemodulating a sequence of 6-bit code words and redundant bits which isgenerated by the modulation method in the first aspect of thisinvention. The demodulation method comprises the steps of removing theredundant bits from the sequence to generate a redundant-bit-lesscode-word sequence; recovering encoding-table designation informationfrom the redundant-bit-less code-word sequence, the encoding-tabledesignation information representing which of encoding tables has beenused in generating a code word immediately following a code word ofinterest; and demodulating the code word of interest into an originalcode word by referring to a decoding table in response to the recoveredencoding-table designation information.

A tenth aspect of this invention provides a demodulation apparatus fordemodulating a sequence of 6-bit code words and redundant bits which isgenerated by the modulation apparatus in the fifth aspect of thisinvention. The demodulation apparatus comprises means for removing theredundant bits from the sequence to generate a redundant-bit-lesscode-word sequence; means for recovering encoding-table designationinformation from the redundant-bit-less code-word sequence, theencoding-table designation information representing which of encodingtables has been used in generating a code word immediately following acode word of interest; and means for demodulating the code word ofinterest into an original code word by referring to a decoding table inresponse to the recovered encoding-table designation information.

An eleventh aspect of this invention provides an information recordingmedium storing a sequence of code words and redundant bits which isgenerated by the modulation apparatus in the fifth aspect of thisinvention.

A twelfth aspect of this invention provides an information transmissionmethod of transmitting a sequence of code words and redundant bits whichis generated by the modulation method in the first aspect of thisinvention.

A thirteenth aspect of this invention provides an informationtransmission apparatus for transmitting a sequence of code words andredundant bits which is generated by the modulation apparatus in thefifth aspect of this invention.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a diagram of 6-bit output code words which follow (1, 7) RLL.

FIG. 2 is a diagram of an encoding table for converting every 4-bitinput code word into a 6-bit output code word which is used in amodulation apparatus according to a first embodiment of this invention.

FIG. 3 is a block diagram of the modulation apparatus according to thefirst embodiment of this invention.

FIG. 4 is a block diagram of a 4-6 modulator in FIG. 3.

FIG. 5 is a diagram of an example of five successive input code wordsD(k), five successive current-table selection numbers S(k) fordesignating sub encoding tables used in encoding the input code wordsD(k), five successive output code words C(k) assigned to the input codewords D(k), and five successive next-table selection numbers S(k+1)accompanying the output code words C(k).

FIG. 6 is a flowchart of a segment of a control program for a code-wordselection detector in FIG. 4.

FIG. 7 is a time-domain diagram of a succession of output code wordsC(k−1), C(k)0, and C(k+1) being “010000”, “101001”, and “000001”, andthe result of NRZI conversion of the output code words C(k−1), C(k)0,and C(k+1).

FIG. 8 is a time-domain diagram of a succession of output code wordsC(k−1), C(k)1, and C(k+1) being “010000”, “001001”, and “000001”, andthe result of NRZI conversion of the output code words C(k−1), C(k)1,and C(k+1).

FIG. 9 is a time-domain diagram of a redundant-bit-addedoutput-code-word sequence generated by the 4-6 modulator in FIG. 3.

FIG. 10 is a flowchart of a segment of a control program for the 4-6modulator in FIG. 3.

FIG. 11 is a block diagram of a demodulation apparatus according to asecond embodiment of this invention.

FIG. 12 is a diagram of an example of the contents of a decoding tableused in the demodulation apparatus of FIG. 11.

FIG. 13 is a diagram of a succession of input code words C(k) being“010000”, “001001”, “000001”, “000101”, and “010001”, a succession ofreproduced original code words D(k) corresponding to the input codewords C(k), a succession of states of decision information correspondingto the input code words C(k), and a succession of encoding states S(k)corresponding to the input code words C(k).

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION First Embodiment

Run length limiting rules “(d, k) RLL” are such that “d” to “k”successive bits of “0” should be between bits of “1” in amodulation-resultant bit stream, where “d” and “k” denote predeterminednatural numbers and the number “d” is smaller than the number “k”.

FIG. 1 shows 6-bit output code words which follow (1, 7) RLL. FIG. 2shows an encoding table for converting or encoding every 4-bit inputcode word (every 4-bit input data word) into a 6-bit output code word.The encoding table in FIG. 2 uses 6-bit output code words listed in FIG.1.

The encoding table in FIG. 2 has a set of four sub encoding tableshaving identification (ID) numbers of “0”, “1”, “2”, and “3”respectively. Each of the four sub encoding tables stores 6-bit outputcode words C(k) assigned to 4-bit input code words D(k). The four subencoding tables contain arrays of cells at different addressesrespectively. Each of the cells has a set of an input code word D(k), anoutput code word C(k) assigned to the input code word D(k), and a numberS(k+1) assigned to the output code word C(k). In FIG. 2, each input codeword D(k) is expressed by the decimal notation while each output codeword C(k) is expressed by both the decimal notation and the binarynotation. In FIG. 2, each output code word C(k) is followed by andaccompanied with a number S(k+1) which designates a sub encoding tableused next. Under normal conditions, when the number S(k+1) accompanyingthe current output code word is “0”, the sub encoding table having an IDnumber of “0” is used to generate a next output code word. When thenumber S(k+1) accompanying the current output code word is “1”, the subencoding table having an ID number of “1” is used to generate a nextoutput code word. When the number S(k+1) accompanying the current outputcode word is “2”, the sub encoding table having an ID number of “2” isused to generate a next output code word. When the number S(k+1)accompanying the current output code word is “3”, the sub encoding tablehaving an ID number of “3” is used to generate a next output code word.The numbers S(k+1) are referred to as the next-table selection numbersS(k+1). The next-table selection numbers S(k+1) are designed so that asequence of selected output code words will follow (1, 7) RLL. Anext-table selection number accompanying an output code word C(k−1)immediately preceding the current output code word C(k) is defined as acurrent-table selection number S(k) used for generation of the currentoutput code word C(k) in response to the current input code word D(k).

The sub encoding table having an ID number of “1” and the sub encodingtable having an ID number of “2” are in a predetermined relation asfollows. The NRZI modulation results (the NRZI conversion results) ofoutput code words assigned to prescribed input code words in the subencoding table having an ID number of “1” are opposite in polarity(“odd-even” in the number of bits of “1”, that is, DSV-related polarity)to those of output code words in the sub encoding table having an IDnumber of “2”. The opposite polarities cause a DSV (digital sumvariation) in an increasing direction and a DSV in a decreasingdirection, respectively. As mentioned later, in the case where the subencoding table having an ID number of “2” is originally designated and acurrent input code word is identical with such a prescribed one, twooutput code words are read out from the sub encoding table having an IDnumber of “2” and the sub encoding table having an ID number of “1” astwo candidate output code words respectively. In this case, one isselected from the two candidate output code words as a final output codeword in response to DSV calculation results.

The sub encoding table having an ID number of “1” and the sub encodingtable having an ID number of “3” are in a predetermined relation asfollows. The NRZI modulation results of output code words assigned toprescribed input code words in the sub encoding table having an IDnumber of “1” are opposite in DSV-related polarity to those of outputcode words in the sub encoding table having an ID number of “3”. Theopposite polarities cause a DSV in an increasing direction and a DSV ina decreasing direction, respectively. As mentioned later, in the casewhere the sub encoding table having an ID number of “3” is originallydesignated and a current input code word is identical with such aprescribed one, two output code words are read out from the sub encodingtable having an ID number of “3” and the sub encoding table having an IDnumber of “1” as two candidate output code words respectively. In thiscase, one is selected from the two candidate output code words as afinal output code word in response to DSV calculation results.

The sub encoding table having an ID number of “0” and the sub encodingtable having an ID number of “2” are in a predetermined relation asfollows. The NRZI modulation results of output code words assigned toprescribed input code words in the sub encoding table having an IDnumber of “0” are opposite in DSV-related polarity to those of outputcode words in the sub encoding table having an ID number of “2”. Theopposite polarities cause a DSV in an increasing direction and a DSV ina decreasing direction, respectively. As mentioned later, in the casewhere the sub encoding table having an ID number of “2” is originallydesignated and a current input code word is identical with such aprescribed one, two output code words are read out from the sub encodingtable having an ID number of “2” and the sub encoding table having an IDnumber of “0” as two candidate output code words respectively. In thiscase, one is selected from the two candidate output code words as afinal output code word in response to DSV calculation results.

In the four sub encoding tables of FIG. 2, each of some output codewords is assigned in common to a plurality of input code words, and thecommon output code words in the respective cells are accompanied withdifferent next-table selection numbers S(k+1) respectively. This designis advantageous in reducing the volume of the encoding table. Theassignment of next-table selection numbers S(k+1) to output code wordsfollows predetermined rules. Next-table selection numbers S(k+1)accompanying transmitted output code words are not positivelytransmitted to a decoder side (a demodulation side). The decoder sideutilizes the predetermined assignment rules, and thereby recovers anext-table selection number S(k+1) accompanying a code word of interestand then uses the recovered next-table selection number S(k+1) indecoding the code word of interest rather than decoding a code wordimmediately following the code word of interest. This design simplifiesthe decoding procedure.

An encoding table which is similar to the encoding table in FIG. 2except for assignment of output code words C(k) to input code words D(k)may be used instead of the encoding table in FIG. 2 as long as therequired encoding rules can be observed.

The encoding table in FIG. 2 is designed for conversion of a 4-bit inputcode word into a 6-bit output code word. Since doubling a 4-bit inputcode word and a 6-bit output code word results in an 8-bit input codeword and a 12-bit output code word, an encoding table for converting an8-bit input code word into a 12-bit output code word can be made on thebasis of the encoding table in FIG. 2. Accordingly, this inventioncontains 8-12 modulation in addition to 4-6 modulation.

FIG. 3 shows a modulation apparatus 1 according to a first embodiment ofthis invention. As shown in FIG. 3, the modulation apparatus 1 includesa formatter 11, a 4-6 modulator 12, an NRZI (non-return-to-zero invert)converter 14, and a recording and driving circuit 15 which aresequentially connected in that order.

The formatter 11 receives a digital information signal also referred toas an input digital signal. The input digital signal representsinformation such as video information, audio information, or audiovisual information. The formatter 11 adds an error correction codesignal to the received digital information signal, and sectors and makesthe addition-resultant signal into a second digital signal of apredetermined control format conforming with a recording format used bya recording medium 2. The formatter 11 outputs the second digital signalto the 4-6 modulator 12. The second digital signal is also referred toas the source code signal. The source code signal has a sequence of4-bit input code words.

The 4-6 modulator 12 includes an encoding table 13 using the encodingtable in FIG. 2. The 4-6 modulator 12 subjects the second digital signal(the source code signal) to 4-6 modulation by referring to the encodingtable 13. Thereby, the 4-6 modulator 12 converts the second digitalsignal into a third digital signal. In addition, the 4-6 modulator 12adds a sync word to the third digital signal for every frame (syncframe). A given number of sync frames compose one recording sector.Furthermore, the 4-6 modulator 12 periodically inserts a redundant bitpattern to the third digital signal. The 4-6 modulator 12 outputs theresultant third digital signal to the NRZI converter 14.

The NRZI converter 14 subjects the third digital signal (the outputdigital signal from the 4-6 modulator 12) to NRZI modulation, therebyconverting the third digital signal into a fourth digital signal whichis of an NRZI code. The NRZI converter 14 outputs the fourth digitalsignal to the recording and driving circuit 15. The recording anddriving circuit 15 records the fourth digital signal (the output digitalsignal from the NRZI converter 14) on a recording medium 2 via arecording head.

The fourth digital signal can be fed to a transmission encoder 31 fromthe recording and driving circuit 15. The device 31 encodes the fourthdigital signal into a fifth digital signal which is of a code suited fortransmission. The transmission encoder 31 outputs the fifth digitalsignal to a transmission medium 3. The fifth digital signal propagatesalong the transmission medium 3.

As shown in FIG. 4, the 4-6 modulator 12 includes two memories 124 and125 in paths “0” and “1” respectively. The path memories 124 and 125 arealso referred to as the code word memories. The 4-6 modulator 12 furtherincludes a code-word selection detector 121 and a basic encoder 122. Thecode-word selection detector 121 is connected with the basic encoder122. The basic encoder 122 is connected with the path memories 124 and125.

The basic encoder 122 receives the source code signal from the formatter11. The basic encoder 122 handles every 4-bit block of the source codesignal as an input code word. The basic encoder 122 includes theencoding table 13 used for converting or encoding every 4-bit input codeword into a 6-bit output code word. The basic encoder 122 also includesan address generator for producing an address signal in response toevery 4-bit input code word. The address signal designates one of thecells in the encoding table 13 which should be accessed.

The 4-6 modulator 12 further includes DSV circuits 126 and 127, acomparator 128, and a controller 129. The DSV circuit 126 is connectedwith the path memory 124, the comparator 128, and the controller 129.The DSV circuit 127 is connected with the path memory 125, thecomparator 128, and the controller 129. The comparator 128 is connectedwith the code-word selection detector 121 and the controller 129. Thecontroller 129 is connected with the path memories 124 and 125. Thecontroller 129 is followed by the NRZI converter 14 (see FIG. 3).

The 4-6 modulator 12 operates as follows. The basic encoder 122 receivesthe source code signal from the formatter 11. The basic encoder 122handles every 4-bit block of the source code signal as an input codeword D(k). In addition, the basic encoder 122 implements frame-by-framesignal processing. Here, “frame” means a sync frame corresponding toeach prescribed segment of the source code signal. A given number ofsync frames compose one recording sector. The basic encoder 122 has aninitial table in addition to the encoding table 13. The initial tablecontains a predetermined sync word (a predetermined sync bit pattern)and a predetermined initial value of an adopted next-table selectionnumber S(k+1). During a start of every frame, the basic encoder 122accesses the initial table, and reads out the sync word and the initialvalue therefrom. The basic encoder 122 outputs the read-out sync word tothe next stage, that is, the path memories 124 and 125. The basicencoder 122 stores the read-out sync word into the path memories 124 and125. The basic encoder 122 sets the adopted next-table selection numberS(k+1) to the read-out initial value. The basic encoder 122 delays asignal representative of the adopted next-table selection number S(k+1)by a time interval corresponding to one word, thereby generating asignal representative of a current-table selection number S(k). First,the current-table selection number S(k) is equal to the initial value.Thereafter, the current-table selection number S(k) is equal to anext-table selection number accompanying an immediately-previous outputcode word C(k−1). The basic encoder 122 outputs the signal of thecurrent-table selection number S(k) to the code-word selection detector121.

The code-word selection detector 121 receives the source code signalfrom the formatter 11. The code-word selection detector 121 handlesevery 4-bit block of the source code signal as a current input code wordD(k). The code-word selection detector 121 receives the signal of thecurrent-table selection number S(k) from the basic encoder 122. First,the current-table section number S(k) is equal to the initial value. Inaddition, the code-word selection detector 121 is informed by thecontroller 129 of a latest output code word C(k−1) which has beenfinally selected and decided. The code-word selection detector 121detects whether or not an output code word corresponding to the currentinput code word D(k) is uniquely decided, that is, whether or notselecting one from candidate output code words as a final output codeword corresponding to the current input code word D(k) is required onthe basis of the current input code word D(k), the current-tableselection number S(k), the latest selected output code word C(k−1), andthe MSB of an output code word C(k+1). The code-word selection detector121 outputs a signal representative of a result of the detection to thebasic encoder 122 and the comparator 128. In more detail, the code-wordselection detector 121 decides whether or not the current input codeword D(k), the current-table selection number S(k), the latest selectedoutput code word C(k−1), and the MSB of the output code word C(k+1) arein prescribed conditions. When the current input code word D(k), thecurrent-table selection number S(k), the latest selected output codeword C(k−1), and the MSB of the output code word C(k+1) are in theprescribed conditions, the code-word selection detector 121 outputs adetection-result signal (a code-word selection signal) indicating thatcode-word selection is required. Otherwise, the code-word selectiondetector 121 outputs a detection-result signal (a code-wordnon-selection signal) indicating that code-word selection is notrequired.

In the case where the detection-result signal outputted from thecode-word selection detector 121 indicates that code-word selection isrequired, the basic encoder 122 takes two candidate output code wordsC(k)0 and C(k)1 for the current input code word D(k). Specifically, thebasic encoder 122 generates two different addresses in response to thecurrent input code word D(k) and the current-table selection numberS(k), and accesses two of the four sub encoding tables in response tothe generated addresses. One of the two accessed sub encoding tables hasan ID number equal to the current-table selection number S(k). The basicencoder 122 reads out an output code word C(k)0 assigned to the currentinput code word D(k) from the sub encoding table having an ID numberequal to the current-table selection number S(k). The read-out outputcode word C(k)0 is defined as the first candidate output code wordC(k)0. The basic encoder 122 reads out an output code word C(k)1assigned to the current input code word D(k) from the other accessed subencoding table. The read-out output code word C(k)1 is defined as thesecond candidate output code word C(k)1. The candidate output code wordsC(k)0 and C(k)1 are assigned to the path “0” and the path “1”,respectively. The basic encoder 122 stores the candidate output codewords C(k)0 and C(k)1 into the path memories 124 and 125, respectively.

In the case where the detection-result signal outputted from thecode-word selection detector 121 indicates that code-word selection isnot required, the basic encoder 122 takes only one output code word C(k)for the current input code word D(k). Specifically, the basic encoder122 generates only one address in response to the current input codeword D(k) and the current-table selection number S(k), and accesses oneof the four sub encoding tables in response to the generated address.The accessed sub encoding table has an ID number equal to thecurrent-table selection number S(k). The basic encoder 122 reads out anoutput code word C(k) assigned to the current input code word D(k) fromthe sub encoding table having an ID number equal to the current-tableselection number S(k). The basic encoder 122 stores the output code wordC(k) into the path memory 124 as a first candidate output code wordC(k)0. The basic encoder 122 stores the output code word C(k) into thepath memory 125 as a second candidate output code word C(k)1. In thisway, the same output code word C(k) is written into the path memories124 and 125. The basic encoder 122 updates the adopted next-tableselection number S(k+1) to the value accompanying the output code wordC(k).

The DSV circuit 126 calculates a CDS (code digital sum) value of theoutput code word C(k)0 in the path memory 124, and updates a DSV valueof the output code word C(k)0 and previous output code words in responseto the calculated CDS value. The DSV circuit 126 has a memory loadedwith a signal representative of the updating-resultant DSV value (thenewest DSV value). The DSV value provided by the DSV circuit 126 relatesto the path “0”. Similarly, the DSV circuit 127 calculates a CDS (codedigital sum) value of the output code word C(k)1 in the path memory 125,and updates a DSV value of the output code word C(k) and previous outputcode words in response to the calculated CDS value. The DSV circuit 127has a memory loaded with a signal representative of theupdating-resultant DSV value (the newest DSV value). The DSV valueprovided by the DSV circuit 127 relates to the path “1”.

The comparator 128 responds to the detection-result signal outputtedfrom the code-word selection detector 121. In the case where thedetection-result signal indicates that code-word selection is required,the comparator 128 accesses the memories within the DSV circuits 126 and127. The comparator 128 calculates the absolute newest DSV value (thefirst absolute DSV value) stored in the memory within the DSV circuit126. The comparator 128 calculates the absolute newest DSV value (thesecond absolute DSV value) stored in the memory within the DSV circuit127. The device 128 compares the first and second absolute DSV values todecide which of the two is smaller. The comparator 128 notifies theresult of the comparison to the controller 129. In the case where thedetection-result signal indicates that code-word selection is notrequired, the comparator 128 is inactive and does not notify anycomparison result to the controller 129.

When the comparison result notified by the comparator 128 indicates thatthe first absolute DSV value is smaller than the second absolute DSVvalue, the controller 129 reads out the output code word C(k)0 from thepath memory 124. The controller 129 transmits the read-out output codeword C(k)0 to the NRZI converter 14 as a finally-selected output codeword. The controller 129 informs the code-word selection detector 121 ofthe read-out output code word as the latest selected output code wordC(k−1). In addition, the controller 129 replaces the contents of theoutput code word C(k)1 in the path memory 125 with the contents of theoutput code word C(k)0. Thus, in this case, the contents of the outputcode word C(k)1 in the path memory 125 are updated to the contents ofthe output code word C(k)0 in the path memory 124. Furthermore, thecontroller 129 reads out the DSV value from the memory within the DSVcircuit 126, and updates the DSV value in the memory within the DSVcircuit 127 to the read-out DSV value. Thus, in this case, the DSV valuein the memory within the DSV circuit 127 is set to the DSV value in thememory within the DSV circuit 126. In addition, the controller 129informs the basic encoder 122 that the output code word C(k)0 has beenselected. The basic encoder 122 updates the adopted next-table selectionnumber S(k+1) to the value accompanying the output code word C(k)0.

When the comparison result notified by the comparator 128 indicates thatthe first absolute DSV value is equal to or greater than the secondabsolute DSV value, the controller 129 reads out the output code wordC(k)1 from the path memory 125. The controller 129 transmits theread-out output code word C(k)1 to the NRZI converter 14 as afinally-selected output code word. The controller 129 informs thecode-word selection detector 121 of the read-out output code word as thelatest selected output code word C(k−1). In addition, the controller 129replaces the contents of the output code word C(k)0 in the path memory124 with the contents of the output code word C(k)1. Thus, in this case,the contents of the output code word C(k)0 in the path memory 124 areupdated to the contents of the output code word C(k)1 in the path memory125. Furthermore, the controller 129 reads out the DSV value from thememory within the DSV circuit 127, and updates the DSV value in thememory within the DSV circuit 126 to the read-out DSV value. Thus, inthis case, the DSV value in the memory within the DSV circuit 126 is setto the DSV value in the memory within the DSV circuit 127. In addition,the controller 129 informs the basic encoder 122 that the output codeword C(k)1 has been selected. The basic encoder 122 updates the adoptednext-table selection number S(k+1) to the value accompanying the outputcode word C(k)1.

In this way, one corresponding to the smaller absolute DSV value isselected from the candidate output code words C(k)0 and C(k)1 as a finaloutput code word. Therefore, DSV control is implemented.

In the absence of the comparison result notified by the comparator 128,the controller 129 reads out the output code word C(k)0 from the pathmemory 124. The controller 129 transmits the read-out output code wordC(k)0 to the NRZI converter 14 as a finally-selected output code word.The controller 129 informs the code-word selection detector 121 of theread-out output code word as the latest selected output code wordC(k−1). In this case, the controller 129 does not access the path memory125 and the DSV circuits 126 and 127.

It should be noted that the number of candidate output code words may bethree or more. In this case, one of the candidate output code wordswhich corresponds to the smallest DSV value is selected as a finaloutput code word. First and second sequences of output code wordscorresponding to all input code words may be stored in the path memories124 and 125. In this case, after an end input code word has beenmodulated, the controller 129 selects one from the first and secondsequences of output code words in the path memories 124 and 125 andtransmits the selected sequence to the NRZI converter 14.

FIG. 5 shows an example of five successive input code words. Withreference to FIG. 5, there is a sequence of input code words of “4”,“5”, “6”, “7”, and “8” (decimal). According to the modulation using (1,7) RLL, the sequence of input code words is encoded into a sequence ofoutput code words as follows. At an initial stage, the current-tableselection number S(k) is set to an initial value of, for example, “0”.Thus, the sub encoding table having an ID number of “0” is accessed forthe first input code word “4”, and an output code word of “18” (decimal)equal to “010010” (binary) which is assigned to the first input codeword “4” is read out from the accessed sub encoding table (see FIG. 2).The bit sequence “010010” is outputted. At the same time, a numberS(k+1) of “1” which accompanies the output code word “010010” is readout from the accessed sub encoding table. Then, the current-tableselection number S(k) is updated to the read-out value “1”. Thus, thesub encoding table having an ID number of “1” is accessed for the secondinput code word “5”, and an output code word of “2” (decimal) equal to“000010” (binary) which is assigned to the second input code word “5” isread out from the accessed sub encoding table (see FIG. 2). The bitsequence “000010” is outputted. At the same time, a number S(k+1) of “2”which accompanies the output code word “000010” is read out from theaccessed sub encoding table. Then, the current-table selection numberS(k) is updated to the read-out value “2”. Thus, the sub encoding tablehaving an ID number of “2” is accessed for the third input code word“6”, and an output code word of “18” (decimal) equal to “010010”(binary) which is assigned to the third input code word “6” is read outfrom the accessed sub encoding table (see FIG. 2). The bit sequence“010010” is outputted. At the same time, a number S(k+1) of “3” whichaccompanies the output code word “000010” is read out from the accessedsub encoding table. Then, the current-table selection number S(k) isupdated to the read-out value “3”. Thus, the sub encoding table havingan ID number of “3” is accessed for the fourth input code word “7”, andan output code word of “21” (decimal) equal to “010101” (binary) whichis assigned to the fourth input code word “7” is read out from theaccessed sub encoding table (see FIG. 2). The bit sequence “010101” isoutputted. At the same time, a number S(k+1) of “0” which accompaniesthe output code word “010101” is read out from the accessed sub encodingtable. Then, the current-table selection number S(k) is updated to theread-out value “0”. Thus, the sub encoding table having an ID number of“0” is accessed for the fifth input code word “8”, and an output codeword of “21” (decimal) equal to “010101” (binary) which is assigned tothe fifth input code word “8” is read out from the accessed sub encodingtable (see FIG. 2). The bit sequence “010101” is outputted. At the sametime, a number S(k+1) of “1” which accompanies the output code word“010101” is read out from the accessed sub encoding table. Then, thecurrent-table selection number S(k) is updated to the read-out value“1”.

In this way, a sequence of input code words of “4”, “5”, “6”, “7”, and“8” is converted into a sequence of output code words as “010010”,“000010”, “010010”, “010101”, and “010101”. A bit stream formed bysequentially direct connection of the output code words is“010010000010010010010101010101”. This bit stream follows (1, 7) RLL.

The code-word selection detector 121 may be formed by a digital signalprocessor, a CPU, or a similar device including a combination of aninput/output port, a processing section, a ROM, and a RAM. In this case,the code-word selection detector 121 operates in accordance with acontrol program stored in the ROM.

FIG. 6 is a flowchart of a segment of the control program for thecode-word selection detector 121 which is executed for every input codeword. The program segment in FIG. 6 is designed for (1, 7) RLL. Withreference to FIG. 6, a first step 201 of the program segment detects thezero run length of the LSB side of the latest selected output code wordC(k−1). The latest selected output code word C(k−1) is fed from thecontroller 129. The step 201 decides which of predetermined values thedetected LSB-side zero run length of the latest selected output codeword C(k−1) is equal to. When the detected LSB-side zero run length ofthe latest selected output code word C(k−1) is equal to “4”, that is,when the latest selected output code word C(k−1) is “010000”, theprogram advances from the step 201 to a step 202. When the detectedLSB-side zero run length of the latest selected output code word C(k−1)is equal to “5”, that is, when the latest selected output code wordC(k−1) is “100000”, the program advances from the step 201 to a step209. When the detected LSB-side zero run length of the latest selectedoutput code word C(k−1) is equal to neither “4” nor “5”, the programadvances from the step 201 to a step 205.

The step 202 checks the current input code word D(k) and thecurrent-table selection number S(k). The current-table selection numberS(k) is notified by the basic encoder 122. The step 202 decides whetheror not the current-table selection number S(k) is “3” and the currentinput code word D(k) is less than “4” (decimal). In other words, thestep 202 decides whether or not the current-table selection number S(k)is “3” and the current input code word D(k) is in the range of “0” to“3” (decimal). When the current-table selection number S(k) is “3” andthe current input code word D(k) is in the range of “0” to “3”, theprogram advances from the step 202 to a step 206. Otherwise, the programadvances from the step 202 to a step 203.

The step 203 decides whether or not the current-table selection numberS(k) is “2” and the current input code word D(k) is greater than “6”(decimal). When the current table-table selection number S(k) is “2” andthe current input code word D(k) is greater than “6”, the programadvances from the step 203 to a step 207. Otherwise, the programadvances from the step 202 to a step 208.

The step 209 checks the current input code word D(k) and thecurrent-table selection number S(k). The step 209 decides whether or notthe current-table selection number S(k) is “3” and the current inputcode word D(k) is less than “2” (decimal). In other words, the step 209decides whether or not the current-table selection number S(k) is “3”and the current input code word D(k) is in the range of “0” to “1”(decimal). When the current-table selection number S(k) is “3” and thecurrent input code word D(k) is in the range of “0” to “1”, the programadvances from the step 209 to a step 210. Otherwise, the programadvances from the step 209 to a step 211.

The step 211 decides whether or not the current-table selection numberS(k) is “2” and the current input code word D(k) is greater than “9”(decimal). When the current-table selection number S(k) is “2” and thecurrent input code word D(k) is greater than “9”, the program advancesfrom the step 211 to a step 212. Otherwise, the program advances fromthe step 211 to the step 208.

The step 205 detects the zero run length of the LSB side of the latestselected output code word C(k−1). The step 205 checks the current inputcode word D(k) and the current-table selection number S(k). The step 205decides whether or not all the following conditions A1, A2, and A3 aresatisfied. A1: The detected LSB-side zero run length of the latestselected output code word C(k−1) is equal to “1” or “2”. In other words,the latest selected output code word C(k−1) is “010100”, “000100”,“100100”, “010010”, “000010”, “001010”, “101010”, or “100010”. A2: Thecurrent-table selection number S(k) is “2”. A3: The current input codeword D(k) is less than “2” (decimal). In other words, the current inputcode word D(k) is in the range of “0” to “1” (decimal). When all theconditions A1, A2, and A3 are satisfied, the program advances from thestep 205 to a step 214. Otherwise, the program advances from the step205 to a step 215.

The step 215 detects the zero run length of the LSB side of the latestselected output code word C(k−1). The step 215 checks the current inputcode word D(k) and the current-table selection number S(k). The step 215decides whether or not all the following conditions B1, B2, and B3 aresatisfied. B1: The detected LSB-side zero run length of the latestselected output code word C(k−1) is equal to “1”. In other words, thelatest selected output code word C(k−1) is “010010”, “000010”, “001010”,“101010”, or “100010”. B2: The current-table selection number S(k) is“2”. B3: The current input code word D(k) is in the range of “12” to“13” (decimal). When all the conditions B1, B2, and B3 are satisfied,the program advances from the step 215 to a step 217. Otherwise, theprogram advances from the step 215 to the step 208.

The step 217 determines an output code word C(k+1) assigned to a nextinput code word D(k+1), that is, an input code word D(k+1) immediatelyfollowing the current input code word D(k). Specifically, the step 217reads the next input code word D(k+1). The step 217 determines an outputcode word C(k) immediately following the latest selected output codeword C(k−1) in response to the current input code word D(k) by referringto the sub encoding table in the basic encoder 122 which has an IDnumber of “0” or “2”. The step 217 reads out a next-table selectionnumber S(k+1) accompanying the determined output code word C(k) from theaccessed sub encoding table. The step 217 reads out an output code wordC(k+1) assigned to the next input code word D(k+1) from the sub encodingtable having an ID number equal to the read-out next-table selectionnumber S(k+1). Thereafter, the step 217 decides whether or not the MSBof the read-out output code word C(k+1) is “1”. When the MSB of theread-out output code word C(k+1) is “1”, the program advances from thestep 217 to a step 218. Otherwise, the program advances from the step217 to the step 208.

The step 206 generates a code-word selection signal designed for usingthe sub encoding table in the basic encoder 122 which has an ID numberof “3” to generate a first candidate output code word C(k)0, and forusing the sub encoding table in the basic encoder 122 which has an IDnumber of “1” to generate a second candidate output code word C(k)1. Thestep 206 outputs the generated code-word selection signal. After thestep 206, the current execution cycle of the program segment ends.

The step 207 generates a code-word selection signal designed for usingthe sub encoding table in the basic encoder 122 which has an ID numberof “2” to generate a first candidate output code word C(k)0, and forusing the sub encoding table in the basic encoder 122 which has an IDnumber of “1” to generate a second candidate output code word C(k)1. Thestep 207 outputs the generated code-word selection signal. After thestep 207, the current execution cycle of the program segment ends.

The step 210 generates a code-word selection signal designed for usingthe sub encoding table in the basic encoder 122 which has an ID numberof “3” to generate a first candidate output code word C(k)0, and forusing the sub encoding table in the basic encoder 122 which has an IDnumber of “1” to generate a second candidate output code word C(k)1. Thestep 210 outputs the generated code-word selection signal. After thestep 210, the current execution cycle of the program segment ends.

The step 212 generates a code-word selection signal designed for usingthe sub encoding table in the basic encoder 122 which has an ID numberof “2” to generate a first candidate output code word C(k)0, and forusing the sub encoding table in the basic encoder 122 which has an IDnumber of “1” to generate a second candidate output code word C(k)1. Thestep 212 outputs the generated code-word selection signal. After thestep 212, the current execution cycle of the program segment ends.

The step 214 generates a code-word selection signal designed for usingthe sub encoding table in the basic encoder 122 which has an ID numberof “2” to generate a first candidate output code word C(k)0, and forusing the sub encoding table in the basic encoder 122 which has an IDnumber of “0” to generate a second candidate output code word C(k)1. Thestep 214 outputs the generated code-word selection signal. After thestep 214, the current execution cycle of the program segment ends.

The step 218 generates a code-word selection signal for using the subencoding table in the basic encoder 122 which has an ID number of “2” togenerate a first candidate output code word C(k)0, and for using the subencoding table in the basic encoder 122 which has an ID number of “0” togenerate a second candidate output code word C(k)1. The step 218 outputsthe generated code-word selection signal. After the step 218, thecurrent execution cycle of the program segment ends.

The step 208 generates a code-word non-selection signal. The step 208outputs the generated code-word non-selection signal. After the step208, the current execution cycle of the program segment ends.

In the case where the latest selected output code word C(k−1) is“010000” and the current-table selection number S(k) is “3”, and wherethe current input code word D(k) is in the range of “0” to “3”(decimal), when the originally-designated sub encoding table having anID number of “3” is used to generate an output code word C(k), aresultant succession of the output code words C(k−1) and C(k) follows(1, 7) RLL. In this case, even when the sub encoding table having an IDnumber of “1” is used to generate an output code word C(k) instead ofthe originally-designated sub encoding table, a resultant succession ofthe output code words C(k−1) and C(k) follows (1, 7) RLL. The encodingtable 13 in FIG. 2 shows that the sub encoding table having an ID numberof “2” or “3” will be used to generate an output code word C(k)immediately following the output code word C(k−1) being “010000”. In thesub encoding tables having ID numbers of “1”, “2”, and “3”, output codewords assigned to a same input code word are different from each other.Therefore, using the sub encoding table having an ID number of “1”instead of the originally-designated sub encoding table will not cause aproblem in a decoding side. This case corresponds to the combination ofthe steps 201, 202, and 206.

In the case where the latest selected output code word C(k−1) is“010000” and the current-table selection number S(k) is “2”, and wherethe current input code word D(k) is greater than “6” (decimal), when theoriginally-designated sub encoding table having an ID number of “2” isused to generate an output code word C(k), a resultant succession of theoutput code words C(k−1) and C(k) follows (1, 7) RLL. In this case, evenwhen the sub encoding table having an ID number of “1” is used togenerate an output code word C(k) instead of the originally-designatedsub encoding table, a resultant succession of the output code wordsC(k−1) and C(k) follows (1, 7) RLL. The encoding table 13 in FIG. 2shows that the sub encoding table having an ID number of “2” or “3” willbe used to generate an output code word C(k) immediately following theoutput code word C(k−1) being “010000”. In the sub encoding tableshaving ID numbers of “1”, “2”, and “3”, output code words assigned to asame input code word are different from each other. Therefore, using thesub encoding table having an ID number of “1” instead of theoriginally-designated sub encoding table will not cause a problem in adecoding side. This case corresponds to the combination of the steps201, 203, and 207.

In the case where the latest selected output code word C(k−1) is“100000” and the current-table selection number S(k) is “3”, and wherethe current input code word D(k) is in the range of “0” to “1”(decimal), when the originally-designated sub encoding table having anID number of “3” is used to generate an output code word C(k), aresultant succession of the output code words C(k−1) and C(k) follows(1, 7) RLL. In this case, even when the sub encoding table having an IDnumber of “1” is used to generate an output code word C(k) instead ofthe originally-designated sub encoding table, a resultant succession ofthe output code words C(k−1) and C(k) follows (1, 7) RLL. The encodingtable 13 in FIG. 2 shows that the sub encoding table having an ID numberof “2” or “3” will be used to generate an output code word C(k)immediately following the output code word C(k−1) being “100000”. In thesub encoding tables having ID numbers of “1”, “2”, and “3”, output codewords assigned to a same input code word are different from each other.Therefore, using the sub encoding table having an ID number of “1”instead of the originally-designated sub encoding table will not cause aproblem in a decoding side. This case corresponds to the combination ofthe steps 201, 209, and 210.

In the case where the latest selected output code word C(k−1) is“100000” and the current-table selection number S(k) is “2”, and wherethe current input code word D(k) is greater than “9” (decimal), when theoriginally-designated sub encoding table having an ID number of “2” isused to generate an output code word C(k), a resultant succession of theoutput code words C(k−1) and C(k) follows (1, 7) RLL. In this case, evenwhen the sub encoding table having an ID number of “1” is used togenerate an output code word C(k) instead of the originally-designatedsub encoding table, a resultant succession of the output code wordsC(k−1) and C(k) follows (1, 7) RLL. The encoding table 13 in FIG. 2shows that the sub encoding table having an ID number of “2” or “3” willbe used to generate an output code word C(k) immediately following theoutput code word C(k−1) being “100000”. In the sub encoding tableshaving ID numbers of “1”, “2”, and “3”, output code words assigned to asame input code word are different from each other. Therefore, using thesub encoding table having an ID number of “1” instead of theoriginally-designated sub encoding table will not cause a problem in adecoding side. This case corresponds to the combination of the steps201, 211, and 212.

In the case where the latest selected output code word C(k−1) has anLSB-side zero run length of “1” or “2” and the current-table selectionnumber S(k) is “2”, and where the current input code word D(k) is lessthan “2” (decimal), when the originally-designated sub encoding tablehaving an ID number of “2” is used to generate an output code word C(k),a resultant succession of the output code words C(k−1) and C(k) follows(1, 7) RLL. In this case, even when the sub encoding table having an IDnumber of “0” is used to generate an output code word C(k) instead ofthe originally-designated sub encoding table, a resultant succession ofthe output code words C(k−1) and C(k) follows (1, 7) RLL. The encodingtable 13 in FIG. 2 shows that the sub encoding table having an ID numberof “1”, “2”, or “3” will be used to generate an output code word C(k)immediately following the output code word C(k−1) having an LSB-sidezero run length of “1” or “2”. In the sub encoding tables having IDnumbers of “0”, “1”, “2”, and “3”, output code words assigned to a sameinput code word of “0” or “1” (decimal) are different from each other.Therefore, using the sub encoding table having an ID number of “0”instead of the originally-designated sub encoding table will not cause aproblem in a decoding side. This case corresponds to the combination ofthe steps 205 and 214.

In the case where the latest selected output code word C(k−1) has anLSB-side zero run length of “1” and the current-table selection numberS(k) is “2”, and where the current input code word D(k) is “12” or “13”(decimal) and the MSB of the estimated output code word C(k+1) is “1”,when the originally-designated sub encoding table having an ID number of“2” is used to generate an output code word C(k), a resultant successionof the output code words C(k−1) and C(k) follows (1, 7) RLL. In thiscase, even when the sub encoding table having an ID number of “0” isused to generate an output code word C(k) instead of theoriginally-designated sub encoding table, a resultant succession of theoutput code words C(k−1) and C(k) follows (1, 7) RLL. The encoding table13 in FIG. 2 shows that the sub encoding table having an ID number of“1”, “2”, or “3” will be used to generate an output code word C(k)immediately following the output code word C(k−1) having an LSB-sidezero run length of “1”. In the sub encoding tables having ID numbers of“0”, “1”, “2”, and “3”, output code words assigned to a same input codeword of “12” or “13” (decimal) are different from each other. Therefore,using the sub encoding table having an ID number of “0” instead of theoriginally-designated sub encoding table will not cause a problem in adecoding side. This case corresponds to the combination of the steps215, 217, and 218.

DSV control is implemented as follows. In the case where the latestselected output code word C(k−1) is “010000” and the current-tableselection number S(k) is “3”, and where the current input code word D(k)is “0” (decimal), the originally-designated sub encoding table having anID number of “3” and also the sub encoding table having an ID number of“1” are accessed. Output code words assigned to the current input codeword D(k) are read out from the accessed sub encoding tables. The outputcode word read out from the sub coding table having an ID number of “3”is set as a first candidate output code word C(k)0. The output code wordread out from the sub coding table having an ID number of “1” is set asa second candidate output code word C(k)1. The first candidate outputcode word C(k)0 is “101001” while the second candidate output code wordC(k)1 is “001001”. It is assumed that a next output code word C(k+1) is“000001”. FIG. 7 shows a succession of the output code words C(k−1),C(k)0, and C(k+1), that is, “010000”, “101001”, and “000001”. FIG. 7also shows the result of NRZI conversion of the output code wordsC(k−1), C(k)0, and C(k+1). FIG. 8 shows a succession of the output codewords C(k−1), C(k)1, and C(k+1), that is, “010000”, “001001”, and“000001”. FIG. 8 also shows the result of NRZI conversion of the outputcode words C(k−1), C(k)1, and C(k+1). As shown in FIG. 7, the result ofNRZI conversion of the first candidate output code word C(k)0 is“111000”. As shown in FIG. 8, the result of NRZI conversion of thesecond candidate output code word C(k)1 is “001111”. Therefore, thefirst and second candidate output code words C(k)0 and C(k)1 causedifferent DSV-related polarities regarding the NRZI conversion resultsrespectively. Thus, the first and second candidate output code wordsC(k)0 and C(k)1 cause different DSV values respectively. As previouslymentioned, one of the first and second candidate output code words C(k)0and C(k)1 which causes the smaller DSV value is selected as a finaloutput code word C(k). The code-word selection provides DSV control ofsuppressing a DC component of a modulation-resultant bit stream.

Also, DSV control is implemented on the basis of the insertion ofredundant bit patterns into the output-code-word sequence as will bementioned hereafter. The 4-6 modulator 12 adds a sync word to themodulation-resultant digital signal for every frame (sync frame).Furthermore, the 4-6 modulator 12 periodically inserts a redundant bitpattern into the modulation-resultant digital signal. The insertedredundant bit pattern is composed of two successive bits. The insertedredundant bit pattern can change among three different states.

With reference to FIG. 9, the output-code-word sequence fed from the 4-6modulator 12 to the NRZI converter 14 is divided into segments eachcorresponding to one frame (one sync frame). Every 1-frame-correspondingsegment has a head occupied by the sync word. Every1-frame-corresponding segment except the sync word has a predeterminednumber of successive data symbols. Each data symbol is composed of agiven number of successive output code words. Alternatively, each datasymbol may be formed by only one output code word. For every frame,there is a succession of groups each of N successive data symbols where“N” denotes a predetermined natural number. For every N data symbols,the output-code-word sequence has an inserted redundant bit pattern.Accordingly, for every predetermined number of successive output codewords, the output-code-word sequence has an inserted redundant bitpattern.

The basic encoder 122 in the 4-6 modulator 12 has a table containing twosuccessive bits of “01”, two successive bits of “00”, and two successivebits of “10” which are different redundant bit patters respectively. Inaddition, the basic encoder 122 has a counter, a comparator, and apattern deciding section. The counter operates for counting everysymbol. The comparator determines whether or not the symbol count numbergenerated by the counter reaches the predetermined number N, that is,whether or not an N-symbol group terminates. Each time the symbol countnumber reaches the predetermined number N, the pattern deciding sectionrefers to the LSB of the last output code word in the N-symbol group andthen reads out first and second redundant bit patterns from the table inresponse to the LSB of the last output code word. The first redundantbit pattern is “01” and the second redundant bit pattern is “00” whenthe LSB of the last output code word is “1”. The first redundant bitpattern is “10” and the second redundant bit pattern is “00” when theLSB of the last output code word is “0”. The first and second redundantbit patters are opposite in DSV-related polarity. The pattern decidingsection adds the first redundant bit pattern to the end of the lastoutput code word, combining the last output code word and the firstredundant bit pattern into a first candidate output code word C(k)0. Thepattern deciding section adds the second redundant bit pattern to theend of the last output code word, combining the last output code wordand the second redundant bit pattern into a second candidate output codeword C(k)1. The candidate output code words C(k)0 and C(k)1 are assignedto the path “0” and the path “1”, respectively. The basic encoder 122stores the candidate output code words C(k)0 and C(k)1 into the pathmemories 124 and 125, respectively.

Similar to the case where the detection-result signal outputted from thecode-word selection detector 121 indicates that code-word selection isrequired, one of the candidate output code words C(k)0 and C(k)1 isselected as a final output code word in response to DSV calculationresults. The final output code word is fed from the 4-6 modulator 12 tothe NRZI converter 14. Since the first and second redundant bit patterscontained in the respective candidate output code words C(k)0 and C(k)1are opposite in DSV-related polarity, DSV control is implemented byselecting one of the candidate output code words C(k)0 and C(k)1 as afinal output code word in response to the DSV calculation results.

As previously mentioned, the output-code-word sequence which occursbefore the insertion of redundant bit patters follows (1, 7) RLL. Theoutput-code-word sequence having inserted redundant bit patterns follows(1, 9) RLL since the maximum zero run length of the redundant bitpatterns is equal to “2”. For example, in the case where thecurrent-table selection number S(k) is “0” and the current input codeword D(k) is “12” (decimal), the corresponding output code word C(k) is“000000” (see FIG. 2). In this case, the zero run length of the MSB sideof a next output code word C(k+1) is limited to “1” by (1, 7) RLL. Thus,even when a redundant bit pattern of “00” is added to the end of theoutput code word “0000000”, the zero run length of the resultantoutput-code-word sequence is limited to “9”. In other words, (1, 9) RLLare observed.

The 4-6 modulator 12 may be formed by a digital signal processor, a CPU,or a similar device including a combination of an input/output port, aprocessing section, a ROM, and a RAM. In this case, the 4-6 modulator 12operates in accordance with a control program stored in the ROM. Theencoding table 13, the initial table, and the redundant bit patterntable are provided in the ROM while the path memories 124 and 125, andthe memories within the DSV circuits 126 and 127 are provided in theRAM.

FIG. 10 is a flowchart of a segment of the control program for the 4-6modulator 12. The program segment in FIG. 10 is executed for every syncframe. As shown in FIG. 10, a first step 101 of the program segmentreads out the initial value from the initial table. The step 101 setsthe current-table selection number S(k) to the read-out initial value.The step 101 initializes the DSV values (the path-0 and path-1 DSVvalues). After the step 101, the program advances to a step 102.

The step 102 receives a current input code word D(k). A step 190following the step 102 decides whether or not the current input codeword D(k) corresponds to an output code word having an end to which aredundant bit pattern should be added. When the current input code wordD(k) corresponds to an output code word having an end to which aredundant bit pattern should be added, the program advances from thestep 190 to a step 191. Otherwise, the program advances from the step190 to a step 103.

The step 103 decides whether or not prescribed conditions for code-wordselection are satisfied, that is, whether or not code-word selectionshould be implemented. The prescribed conditions correspond to theconditions for code-word selection in FIG. 6. Thus, the prescribedconditions relate to the detected LSB-side zero run length of a latestselected output code word C(k−1), the current-table selection numberS(k), the current input code word D(k), and the MSB of a next outputcode word C(k+1). When the prescribed conditions are satisfied, that is,when code-word selection should be implemented, the program advancesfrom the step 103 to a step 104. Otherwise, the program advances fromthe step 103 to a step 114.

The step 104 chooses two among the sub encoding tables which should beaccessed. A first sub encoding table to be accessed has an ID numberequal to the current-table selection number S(k). A second sub encodingtable to be accessed has an ID number determined by the prescribedconditions used in the step 103. The step 104 reads out an output codeword C(k)0 assigned to the current input code word D(k) from the firstchosen sub encoding table. The step 104 reads out an output code wordC(k)1 assigned to the current input code word D(k) from the secondchosen sub encoding table. The read-out output code word C(k)0 isdefined as the first candidate output code word C(k)0 assigned to thepath “0”. The read-out output code word C(k)1 is defined as the secondcandidate output code word C(k)1 assigned to the path “1”.

A step 105 following the step 104 calculates a CDS value of the firstcandidate output code word C(k)0, and updates the path-0 DSV value ofthe first candidate output code word C(k)0 and previous output codewords in response to the calculated CDS value. In addition, the step 105calculates a CDS value of the second candidate output code word C(k)1,and updates the path-1 DSV value of the second candidate output codeword C(k)1 and previous output code words in response to the calculatedCDS value.

A step 106 subsequent to the step 105 calculates the absolute path-0 DSVvalue and the absolute path-1 DSV value. The step 106 compares theabsolute path-0 DSV value and the absolute path-1 DSV value to decidewhich of the two is smaller. When the absolute path-0 DSV value issmaller than the absolute path-1 DSV value, the step 106 outputs thefirst candidate output code word C(k)0 as a finally-selected output codeword. In addition, the step 106 replaces the contents of the secondoutput code word C(k)1 with the contents of the first output code wordC(k)0. Furthermore, the step 106 equalizes the path-1 DSV value to thepath-0 DSV value. Also, the step 106 sets the current-table selectionnumber S(k) to the value accompanying the first candidate output codeword C(k)0. On the other hand, when the absolute path-0 DSV value isequal to or greater than the absolute path-1 DSV value, the step 106outputs the second candidate output code word C(k)1 as afinally-selected output code word. In addition, the step 106 replacesthe contents of the first output code word C(k)0 with the contents ofthe second output code word C(k)1. Furthermore, the step 106 equalizesthe path-0 DSV value to the path-1 DSV value. Also, the step 106 setsthe current-table selection number S(k) to the value accompanying thesecond candidate output code word C(k)1. After the step 106, the programadvances to a step 107.

The step 114 accesses the sub encoding table having an ID number equalto the current-table selection number S(k). The step 114 reads out anoutput code word C(k) assigned to the current input code word D(k) fromthe accessed sub encoding table. The read-out output code word C(k) isdefined as the first candidate output code word C(k)0 assigned to thepath “0” and also the second candidate output code word C(k)1 assignedto the path “1”.

A step 115 following the step 114 calculates a CDS value of the firstcandidate output code word C(k)0, and updates the path-0 DSV value ofthe first candidate output code word C(k)0 and previous output codewords in response to the calculated CDS value. In addition, the step 115calculates a CDS value of the second candidate output code word C(k)1,and updates the path-1 DSV value of the second candidate output codeword C(k)1 and previous output code words in response to the calculatedCDS value.

A step 116 subsequent to the step 115 outputs the first candidate outputcode word C(k)0 as a finally-selected output code word. In addition, thestep 116 sets the current-table selection number S(k) to the valueaccompanying the first candidate output code word C(k)0. After the step116, the program advances to the step 107.

The step 191 accesses the sub encoding table having an ID number equalto the current-table selection number S(k). The step 191 reads out anoutput code word C(k) assigned to the current input code word D(k) fromthe accessed sub encoding table. The step 191 accesses the redundant bitpattern table in response to the LSB of the output code word C(k).Specifically, the step 191 reads out first and second redundant bitpatters from the redundant bit pattern table in response to the LSB ofthe output code word C(k). The first redundant bit pattern is “01” andthe second redundant bit pattern is “00” when the LSB of the output codeword C(k) is “1”. The first redundant bit pattern is “10” and the secondredundant bit pattern is “00” when the LSB of the output code word C(k)is “0”. The step 191 adds the first redundant bit pattern to the end ofthe output code word C(k), combining the output code word C(k) and thefirst redundant bit pattern into a first candidate output code wordC(k)0 assigned to the path “0”. The step 191 adds the second redundantbit pattern to the end of the output code word C(k), combining theoutput code word C(k) and the second redundant bit pattern into a secondcandidate output code word C(k)1 assigned to the path “1”.

A step 192 following the step 121 calculates a CDS value of the firstcandidate output code word C(k)0, and updates the path-0 DSV value ofthe first candidate output code word C(k)0 and previous output codewords in response to the calculated CDS value. In addition, the step 192calculates a CDS value of the second candidate output code word C(k)1,and updates the path-1 DSV value of the second candidate output codeword C(k)1 and previous output code words in response to the calculatedCDS value.

A step 193 subsequent to the step 192 calculates the absolute path-0 DSVvalue and the absolute path-1 DSV value. The step 193 compares theabsolute path-0 DSV value and the absolute path-1 DSV value to decidewhich of the two is smaller. When the absolute path-0 DSV value issmaller than the absolute path-1 DSV value, the step 193 outputs thefirst candidate output code word C(k)0 as a finally-selected output codeword. In addition, the step 193 replaces the contents of the secondoutput code word C(k)1 with the contents of the first output code wordC(k)0. Furthermore, the step 193 equalizes the path-1 DSV value to thepath-0 DSV value. Also, the step 193 sets the current-table selectionnumber S(k) to the value accompanying the output code word C(k). On theother hand, when the absolute path-0 DSV value is equal to or greaterthan the absolute path-1 DSV value, the step 193 outputs the secondcandidate output code word C(k)1 as a finally-selected output code word.In addition, the step 193 replaces the contents of the first output codeword C(k)0 with the contents of the second output code word C(k)1.Furthermore, the step 193 equalizes the path-0 DSV value to the path-1DSV value. Also, the step 193 sets the current-table selection numberS(k) to the value accompanying the output code word C(k). After the step193, the program advances to the step 107.

The step 107 decides whether or not the current input code word D(k)corresponds to an end of a frame. When the current input code word D(k)corresponds to an end of a frame, the program exits from the step 107and then the current execution cycle of the program segment ends.Otherwise, the program returns from the step 107 to the step 102.

Second Embodiment

FIG. 11 shows a demodulation apparatus 500 according to a secondembodiment of this invention. The demodulation apparatus 500 receives aninput bit stream divided into segments representative of input codewords. The input bit stream is generated by, for example, the modulationapparatus 1 in FIG. 3. The input bit stream corresponds to, for example,the output signal of the NRZI converter 14 in FIG. 3. The demodulationapparatus 500 can reproduce original code words from the input codewords.

As shown in FIG. 11, the demodulation apparatus 500 includes an NRZIdemodulator 501, a sync detector 502, a serial-to-parallel (S/P)converter 503, a word register 504, a code-word decision-informationdetector 505, a state calculator 506, an address generator 507, adecoder 508, and a redundant bit remover 509. The NRZI demodulator 501receives the input bit stream representing a succession of input codewords. The NRZI demodulator 501 is connected with the sync detector 502and the redundant bit remover 509. The sync detector 502 is connectedwith the S/P converter 503 and the redundant bit remover 509. Theredundant bit remover 509 is connected with the S/P converter 503. TheS/P converter 503 is connected with the word register 504 and the statecalculator 506. The word register 504 is connected with the code-worddecision-information detector 505, the state calculator 506, and theaddress generator 507. The code-word decision-information detector 505is connected with the state calculator 506. The state calculator 506 isconnected with the address generator 507. The address generator 507 isconnected with the decoder 508.

The NRZI demodulator 501 subjects the input bit stream to NRZIdemodulation (NRZI conversion). The NRZI demodulator 501 outputs theNRZI-demodulation-resultant signal (the NRZI-demodulation-resultant bitstream) to the sync detector 502 and the redundant bit remover 509.

The sync detector 502 detects every sync word in theNRZI-demodulation-resultant signal. The sync detector 502 generates aword clock signal in response to the detected sync words. The syncdetector 502 feeds the generated word clock signal to the S/P converter503 and the redundant bit remover 509.

A signal generator (not shown) which includes a phase-locked looprecovers a bit clock signal from the input bit stream or theNRZI-demodulation-resultant bit stream. The signal generator outputs thebit clock signal to the redundant bit remover 509.

The redundant bit remover 509 includes counters for counting pulses inthe word clock signal and the bit clock signal, and a comparator forcomparing the output signals of the counters with reference signals todetect every specified position in the NRZI-demodulation-resultant bitstream which is occupied by an inserted redundant bit pattern. Theredundant bit remover 509 further includes a bit extractor. The bitextractor responds to the detected specified position, and removes everyinserted redundant bit pattern from the NRZI-demodulation-resultant bitstream to generate a redundant-bit-less NRZI-demodulation-resultant bitstream. The redundant bit remover 509 outputs the redundant-bit-lessNRZI-demodulation-resultant bit stream to the S/P converter 503.

The S/P converter 503 subjects the redundant-bit-lessNRZI-demodulation-resultant bit stream to serial-to-parallel conversionin response to the word clock signal, thereby periodically generating a6-bit parallel-form signal segment handled as an input code word C(k).Thus, the S/P converter 503 changes the redundant-bit-lessNRZI-demodulation-resultant bit stream into a sequence of input codewords. The S/P converter 503 outputs the input code word C(k) to theword register 504 and the state calculator 506. The input code word C(k)is written into the word register 504. The input code word C(k) istemporarily stored in the word register 504 before being outputtedtherefrom as a delayed input code word C(k−1). Specifically, the wordregister 504 delays the input code word C(k) by a time intervalcorresponding to one word. The delayed input code word C(k−1) is fedfrom the word register 504 to the code-word decision-informationdetector 505, the state calculator 506, and the address generator 507.

The code-word decision-information detector 505 detects acode-word-related decision information in response to the delayed inputcode word C(k−1). The code-word decision-information detector 505informs the state calculator 506 of the detected decision information.The state calculator 506 computes an encoding state S(k) from the inputcode word C(k), the detected decision-information, and the delayed inputcode word C(k−1). The computed encoding state S(k) corresponds to thesub encoding table used in generating the input code word C(k). In otherwords, the computed encoding state S(k) is equal to the next-tableselection number S(k+1) accompanying the delayed input code word C(k−1)and used in an encoder side (a modulation side). Thus, the next-tableselection number S(k+1) accompanying the delayed input code word C(k−1)is recovered. The state calculator 506 informs the address generator 507of the encoding state S(k), that is, the next-table selection numberS(k+1) accompanying the delayed input code word C(k−1). The addressgenerator 507 produces an address signal in response to the delayedinput code word C(k−1) and the encoding state S(k). The addressgenerator 507 outputs the produced address signal to the decoder 508.The decoder 508 contains a decoding table having an array of 4-bitoutput code words at different addresses. The decoding table is accessedin response to the address signal. One output code word D(k−1) at anaddress corresponding to the address signal is selected from the outputcode words in the decoding table. The decoder 508 feeds the selectedoutput code word D(k−1) to an external as a reproduced original codeword D(k−1).

Specifically, the decoding table includes an array of cells each havinga set of an input code word C(k−1), an output code word D(k−1), and anencoding state S(k). As previously indicated, the encoding state S(k)corresponds to a next-table selection number S(k+1) accompanying theinput code word C(k−1). An output code word D(k−1) can be decided inresponse to a set of an input code word C(k−1) and an encoding stateS(k) by referring to the decoding table. An example of the contents ofthe decoding table is shown in FIG. 12.

Input code words can be grouped into three cases “0”, “1”, and “2”according to LSB-side zero run length. The cases “0”, “1”, and “2” aregiven to decision information of “0”, “1”, and “2”, respectively.Specifically, input code words each having an LSB-side zero run lengthof “0” are assigned to the case “0”, that is, decision information of“0”. Input code words each having an LSB-side zero run length of “1”,“2”, or “3” are assigned to the case “1”, that is, decision informationof “1”. Input code words having LSB-side zero run lengths of “4”, “5”,or “6” are assigned to the case “2”, that is, decision information of“2”. Each of the input code words in the case “0” (corresponding todecision information of “0”) is always followed by an input code wordwhich results from an encoding procedure using the sub encoding tabledenoted by an ID number of “0” or “1”. Each of the input code words inthe case “1” (corresponding to decision information of “1”) is alwaysfollowed by an input code word which results from an encoding procedureusing the sub encoding table denoted by an ID number of “1”, “2”, or“3”. Each of the input code words in the case “2” (corresponding todecision information of “2”) is always followed by an input code wordwhich results from an encoding procedure using the sub encoding tabledenoted by an ID number of “2” or “3”.

The code-word decision-information detector 505 contains a tablerepresentative of the previously-mentioned assignment of the input codewords to the cases “0”, “1”, and “2” (decision information of “0”, “1”,and “2”) which depends on LSB-side zero run length. The code-worddecision-information detector 505 detects the LSB-side zero run lengthof the delayed input code word C(k−1). The code-worddecision-information detector 505 accesses the assignment table inresponse to the detected zero run length, and thereby detects thedecision information to which the delayed input code word C(k−1) isassigned. The code-word decision-information detector 505 informs thestate calculator 506 of the detected decision information. The statecalculator 506 computes an encoding state S(k) from the input code wordC(k), the delayed input code word C(k−1), and the detected decisioninformation according to a predetermined algorithm. The computedencoding state S(k) corresponds to the sub encoding table used ingenerating the input code word C(k). In other words, the computedencoding state S(k) is equal to the next-table selection number S(k+1)accompanying the delayed input code word C(k−1) and used in an encoderside. The state calculator 506 notifies the encoding state S(k), thatis, the next-table selection number S(k+1) accompanying the delayedinput code word C(k−1), to the address generator 507. The addressgenerator 507 produces an address signal in response to the delayedinput code word C(k−1) and the encoding state S(k). The addressgenerator 507 outputs the produced address signal to the decoder 508.The decoder 508 accesses the decoding table in response to the addresssignal. An output code word D(k−1) corresponding to the address signal,that is, an output code word D(k−1) corresponding to a set of thedelayed input code word C(k−1) and the encoding state S(k), is read outfrom the decoding table. The decoder 508 feeds the read-out output codeword D(k−1) to an external as a reproduced original code word D(k−1).

An example of the predetermined algorithm used by the state calculator506 is as follows.

Algorithm in C-language-based Version:

if (decision information = = 0 [ if (C(k) is in sub encoding tablehaving ID = 0) S(k)=0; elseif (C(k) is in sub encoding table having ID= 1) S(k)=1;] if (decision information = = 1 [ if (C(k) is in subencoding table having ID = 1) S(k)=1; elseif (C(k) is in sub encodingtable having ID = 2) S(k)=2; elseif (C(k) is in sub encoding tablehaving ID = 3 ∥ 1) S(k)=3; elseif (C(k)= =0 && C(k−1)= =32) S(k)=3;elseif (C(k)= =0 && C(k−1)= =42) S(k)=2;] if (decision information = = 2[ if (C(k) is in sub encoding table having ID = 3 ∥ 9 ∥ 5 ∥ 2) S(k)=3;elseif (C(k) is in sub encoding table having ID = 2 ∥ 4 ∥ 10 ∥ 8)S(k)=2; elseif (C(k)= =21) S(k)=0;]

In the above algorithm: “==” denotes “equal to”; “&&” denotes “and”; and“||” denotes “or”.

FIG. 13 shows a succession of input code words of “010000”, “001001”,“000001”, “000101”, and “010001”. In the case where the input code wordC(k−1) of interest is “010000” and the immediately-following input codeword C(k) is “001001”, since the LSB-side zero run length of the inputcode word C(k−1) is “4”, the decision information corresponding to theinput code word C(k−1) is found to be “2” by referring to thepreviously-mentioned assignment table. The encoding state S(k), that is,the next-table selection number S(k+1) accompanying the input code wordC(k−1), is found to be “3” according to the predetermined algorithmusing the input code word C(k) and the decision information of “2”. Theinput code word C(k−1) of interest is decoded into an output code wordD(k−1) of “15” in decimal by referring to the decoding table (see FIG.12).

In the case where the input code word C(k−1) of interest is “001001” andthe immediately-following input code word C(k) is “000001”, since theLSB-side zero run length of the input code word C(k−1) is “0”, thedecision information corresponding to the input code word C(k−1) isfound to be “0” by referring to the previously-mentioned assignmenttable. The encoding state S(k), that is, the next-table selection numberS(k+1) accompanying the input code word C(k−1), is found to be “0”according to the predetermined algorithm using the input code word C(k)and the decision information of “0”. The input code word C(k−1) ofinterest is decoded into an output code word D(k−1) of “0” in decimal byreferring to the decoding table (see FIG. 12).

In the case where the input code word C(k−1) of interest is “000001” andthe immediately-following input code word C(k) is “000101”, since theLSB-side zero run length of the input code word C(k−1) is “0”, thedecision information corresponding to the input code word C(k−1) isfound to be “0” by referring to the previously-mentioned assignmenttable. The encoding state S(k), that is, the next-table selection numberS(k+1) accompanying the input code word C(k−1), is found to be “1”according to the predetermined algorithm using the input code word C(k)and the decision information of “0”. The input code word C(k−1) ofinterest is decoded into an output code word D(k−1) of “1” in decimal byreferring to the decoding table (see FIG. 12).

In the case where the input code word C(k−1) of interest is “000101” andthe immediately-following input code word C(k) is “010001”, since theLSB-side zero run length of the input code word C(k−1) is “0”, thedecision information corresponding to the input code word C(k−1) isfound to be “0” by referring to the previously-mentioned assignmenttable. The encoding state S(k), that is, the next-table selection numberS(k+1) accompanying the input code word C(k−1), is found to be “0”according to the predetermined algorithm using the input code word C(k)and the decision information of “0”. The input code word C(k−1) ofinterest is decoded into an output code word D(k−1) of “2” in decimal byreferring to the decoding table (see FIG. 12).

In FIG. 13, the input code word C(k−1) being “001001” is generated by anencoder side (a modulation side) through the code-word selectionprocedure for the DSV control. Specifically, in the encoder side, afirst candidate modulation-resultant code word being “101001” andassigned to an original code word of “0” (decimal) is read out from thesub encoding table (see FIG. 2) having an ID number of “3” while asecond candidate modulation-resultant code word being “001001” andassigned to the original code word is read out from the sub encodingtable having an ID number of “1”. The encoder side selects the secondcandidate modulation-resultant code word. Thus, the encoder side uses“001001” instead of “101001”. Although the code-word selection andchange is implemented by the encoder side in this way, the demodulationapparatus 500 correctly decodes the input code word C(k−1) being“001001” into an original code word D(k−1) of “0” as previouslymentioned.

What is claimed is:
 1. A modulation method comprising the steps of:generating a 6-bit output code word in response to every 4-bit inputcode word by referring to a set of encoding tables, wherein the encodingtables contain output code words assigned to input code words, andcontain encoding-table designation information accompanying each outputcode word, wherein the encoding-table designation information designatesan encoding table among the encoding tables which is used next togenerate an output code word immediately following the output code wordaccompanied with the encoding-table designation information; adding tworedundant bits to every prescribed number of the successive generatedoutput code words for digital-sum-variation control; and sequentiallyconnecting the generated output code words and the added redundant bitsinto a redundant-bit-added output-code-word sequence which followspredetermined run length limiting rules (1, k)RLL, where “k” denotes apredetermined natural number equal to
 9. 2. A modulation method asrecited in claim 1, wherein NRZI conversion results of output code wordsin first specified one of the encoding tables which are assigned toprescribed input code words are opposite in polarity to NRZI conversionresults of output code words in second specified one of the encodingtables which are assigned to the prescribed input code words, andfurther comprising the steps of generating a first candidate currentoutput code word in response to a current input code word equal to oneof the prescribed input code words by referring to the first specifiedone of the encoding tables, and generating a second candidate currentoutput code word in response to the current input code word equal tosaid one of the prescribed input code words by referring to the secondspecified one of the encoding tables, wherein a succession of aspecified immediately-preceding output code word and the first candidatecurrent output code word and also a succession of the specifiedimmediately-preceding output code word and the second candidate currentoutput code follow the predetermined run length limiting rules (1,k)RLL.
 3. A modulation method as recited in claim 2, further comprisingthe step of selecting one from the first and second candidate currentoutput code words as a final current output code word.
 4. A modulationmethod as recited in claim 2, further comprising the steps of:calculating a first CDS of the first candidate current output code word;updating a first DSV of the first candidate current output code word andprevious final output code words in response to the first CDS;calculating a second CDS of the second candidate current output codeword; updating a second DSV of the second candidate current output codeword and previous final output code words in response to the second CDS;determining which of an absolute value of the first DSV and an absolutevalue of the second DSV is smaller; and selecting one from the first andsecond candidate current output code words which corresponds to thesmaller DSV absolute value as a final current output code word.
 5. Ademodulation method of demodulating a sequence of 6-bit code words andredundant bits which is generated by the modulation method in claim 1,the demodulation method comprising the steps of: removing the redundantbits from the sequence to generate a redundant-bit-less code-wordsequence; recovering encoding-table designation information from theredundant-bit-less code-word sequence, the encoding-table designationinformation representing which of encoding tables has been used ingenerating a code word immediately following a code word of interest;and demodulating the code word of interest into an original code word byreferring to a decoding table in response to the recoveredencoding-table designation information.
 6. An information transmissionmethod of transmitting a sequence of code words and redundant bits whichis generated by the modulation method in claim
 1. 7. A modulationapparatus comprising: means for generating a 6-bit output code word inresponse to every 4-bit input code word by referring to a set ofencoding tables, wherein the encoding tables contain output code wordsassigned to input code words, and contain encoding-table designationinformation accompanying each output code word, wherein theencoding-table designation information designates an encoding tableamong the encoding tables which is used next to generate an output codeword immediately following the output code word accompanied with theencoding-table designation information; means for adding two redundantbits to every prescribed number of the successive generated output codewords for digital-sum-variation control; and sequentially connecting thegenerated output code words and the added redundant bits into aredundant-bit-added output-code-word sequence which followspredetermined run length limiting rules (1, k)RLL, where “k” denotes apredetermined natural number equal to
 9. 8. A modulation apparatus asrecited in claim 7, wherein NRZI conversion results of output code wordsin first specified one of the encoding tables which are assigned toprescribed input code words are opposite in polarity to NRZI conversionresults of output code words in second specified one of the encodingtables which are assigned to the prescribed input code words, andfurther comprising means for generating a first candidate current outputcode word in response to a current input code word equal to one of theprescribed input code words by referring to the first specified one ofthe encoding tables, and means for generating a second candidate currentoutput code word in response to the current input code word equal tosaid one of the prescribed input code words by referring to the secondspecified one of the encoding tables, wherein a succession of aspecified immediately-preceding output code word and the first candidatecurrent output code word and also a succession of the specifiedimmediately-preceding output code word and the second candidate currentoutput code follow the predetermined run length limiting rules (1,k)RLL.
 9. A modulation apparatus as recited in claim 8, furthercomprising means for selecting one from the first and second candidatecurrent output code words as a final current output code word.
 10. Amodulation apparatus as recited in claim 8, further comprising: meansfor calculating a first CDS of the first candidate current output codeword; means for updating a first DSV of the first candidate currentoutput code word and previous final output code words in response to thefirst CDS; means for calculating a second CDS of the second candidatecurrent output code word; means for updating a second DSV of the secondcandidate current output code word and previous final output code wordsin response to the second CDS; means for determining which of anabsolute value of the first DSV and an absolute value of the second DSVis smaller; and means for selecting one from the first and secondcandidate current output code words which corresponds to the smaller DSVabsolute value as a final current output code word.
 11. A demodulationapparatus for demodulating a sequence of 6-bit code words and redundantbits which is generated by the modulation apparatus in claim 5, thedemodulation apparatus comprising: means for removing the redundant bitsfrom the sequence to generate a redundant-bit-less code-word sequence;means for recovering encoding-table designation information from theredundant-bit-less code-word sequence, the encoding-table designationinformation representing which of encoding tables has been used ingenerating a code word immediately following a code word of interest;and means for demodulating the code word of interest into an originalcode word by referring to a decoding table in response to the recoveredencoding-table designation information.
 12. An information recordingmedium storing a sequence of code words and redundant bits which isgenerated by the modulation apparatus in claim
 5. 13. An informationtransmission apparatus for transmitting a sequence of code words andredundant bits which is generated by the modulation apparatus in claim7.